Brumbies flanker Michael Hooper is free to face the Reds in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash after avoiding suspension for his lifting tackle on Hurricanes number eight Victor Vito.

The 20-year-old was found guilty and issued an off-field yellow card but SANZAR ruled the offence was at the low end of the scale.

The result came early on Tuesday morning after his hearing on Monday night via video link at the Brumbies Rugby Training Centre.

Hooper received the yellow card for the tackle on Vito in the 48th minute of Friday night's 37-25 win in Wellington.

In a statement released by SANZAR, judicial officer Nick Davidson QC concluded that Hooper made an orthodox tackle around the knees but was propelled back by the ball carrier who drove forward with his right leg raised high.

"Hooper did not change his hold on that leg and his other arm was in contact but ineffectual. From that position, the ball carrier was left without balance on his left foot.

"This was not so much a lifting but holding the right leg in a high position which, with the momentum, saw Vito fall sharply to his left, landing on his elbow then shoulder.

"He was not injured. The referee was emphatic that the penalty was sufficient and reflected a lifting and losing control, rather than a tipping or driving."

An off-field yellow card can be issued where the breach is at the low end and there are mitigating factors.

Hooper has enjoyed a breakout year in 2012 and has developed into one of the competition's most effective open-side flankers.